2010 Palette Ridge 'Old Vine' Lodi Zinfandel

About This Wine

In the early days of California winemaking, much was left to chance.

Many winemakers — immigrants from Europe — simply carried on the long-held tradition of planting numerous varieties in a single vineyard, then making what came to be known as “field blends.”

More varieties meant a wider spectrum of aromas and flavors. And since some varieties fare better than others in specific vintages, a certain quality level could be maintained from year to year, even if the wines didn’t smell or taste exactly the same. The simple goal was to make a good bottle of red wine, and in a vast majority of vintages, that goal was achieved.

The 2010 Palette Ridge “Old Vine” Zinfandel pays homage to the field blends of old, but with a modern approach: a specific amount of Petite Sirah added to the cuvee. As the Palette Ridge vintner put it: “It was fun to connect the past with the present.”

About Zinfandel

California's own grape variety. Red Zinfandel (not to be confused with "white" Zinfandel) can produce full-bodied wines packed with ripe berry fruit and smooth tannins. Flavors of blackberries and spicy pepper.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:Zinfandel & Petite Sirah
• Grape Source:“Old Vine” Vineyards in California’s Lodi Region
• Aromas & Flavors:Raspberry, Boysenberry, Spice, Pepper, Vanilla Cola and Strawberry
• Aging Vessels:American Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestiongrilled meats, or lasagna.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Veal Lasagne This recipe, which makes 4 servings, matches beautifully with Zinfandel - red, that is. Get The Recipe
  

  Boeuf Bourgogne This family-sized recipe hails from the Burgundy region of France. It matches beautifully with California Petite Sirah or Zinfandel. Get The Recipe
  

  Sausage Jambalaya This recipe makes a great meal, especially on a cold day. Try it with Syrah, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you'd like to save a few fat grams, substitute turkey sausage for the beef. This recipe makes 8 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Marinated London Broil This dish, the centerpiece of a sit-down dinner, matches beautifully with Zinfandel or other fruity red wines. Get The Recipe
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  Summer Berry Cobbler Desserts can be tricky to match with wine, but when berries are involved, the quest becomes easier. Try this recipe, which makes 6 to 8 servings, with a fruitful Zinfandel, or almost any slightly sweet wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Grilled Figs With Gorgonzola Summer may be waning, but the grilling season continues. Petite Sirah, Zinfandel or a bold red blend would match nicely with this dish, which makes a wonderful starter course. This recipe makes enough to fill a party pass-around platter... Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Beef Rib Eye With Sweet Onion Topping This dish pairs beautifully with Syrah (a.k.a. Shiraz), as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and red blends. This recipe makes 4 servings Get The Recipe
  

  Radicchio Risotto Try this dish with a big red wine such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Pulled Pork Sandwich What to do with that leftover pork tenderloin? Turn it into a delicious sandwich, and pour a glass of... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Cream Our friends at Alexander Valley Vineyards came up with this wonderful recipe a few years ago. We've tried it with Cabernet Sauvignon (as the recipe calls for), as well as Merlot, Primitivo, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel... and every time, it turns out delicious! It's best made with an ice cream maker, and if you have such a machine, it's extremely easy to assemble. Enjoy! Get The Recipe
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  Chestnut Cake You don't have to wait until Christmas to enjoy chestnuts. Try this recipe with Zinfandel or Primitivo for a special dessert. It makes 10 to 12 servings, depending on who's wielding the knife. CHESTNUT CAKE Ingredients... Get The Recipe
  

  Broccoli Sweet Onion And Pecan Salad A flavorful salad that matches with both white and red wines - particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Shiraz - this recipe makes 6 servings as a side dish, or about 3 as a main dish. Get The Recipe